However, he has backed Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston to take home the award.

"I don't think the pressure is on me, frankly," he is quoted as saying in the Mirror.

"I feel slightly embarrassed to have been nominated alongside these amazing actors and much as I love the others I hope it is Bryan Cranston's year because that show has been phenomenal and his performance has been extraordinary."

Bonneville continued: "He is a great actor, as are the others, but I think it's Breaking Bad's year."

Homeland's Damian Lewis is also up for the award, alongside Mad Men's Jon Hamm, House of Cards star Kevin Spacey and The Newsroom's Jeff Daniels.

Downton Abbey is nominated for 12 awards at this year's Emmys, including 'Outstanding Drama'.

Speaking about preparing for the ceremony, Bonneville added: "Luckily my wife gets dressed in three and a half minutes because I take four and a half hours of makeup, there is a lot of sculpture going on and I can never decide which tie to wear, that takes forever.

"I am a nightmare but I will get better over the years. It has been a lot of fun seeing old friends so when I get to the theatre I will be fast asleep."

Neil Patrick Harris is hosting this year's Primetime Emmy Awards, which will be broadcast on CBS.